drainage basins

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drainage basins" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions related to hydrology, geography, or environmental science, referring to areas where water collects and drains into a common outlet. Example: "The study focused on the impact of urban development on local drainage basins and their ability to manage stormwater runoff."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Torrential rains flood the main drainage basins infrequently.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The boundary between drainage basins is a drainage divide: all the precipitation on opposite sides of a drainage divide will flow into different drainage basins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Urban sprawl, like some vigorous mold, is overtaking green spaces and threatening water drainage basins.

The New York Times

Three drainage basins cover European Russia south of the Arctic basin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Simpson is within one of the world's largest drainage basins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Five main drainage basins may be distinguished: the Arctic, Pacific, Baltic, Black Sea, and Caspian.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Japan's rivers are generally short and swift-running and are supplied by small drainage basins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If you are trying to manage it, you must first divide your area of concern into drainage basins.

The Economist

With the exception of the Chad basin, all the major drainage basins have outlets to the sea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition, minor drainage basins, similar to that of Lake Chad, are situated in the East African Rift Valley.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Throughout the region, relatively flat intermontane basins and bolsones (ephemeral interior drainage basins) are interrupted by mountainous outcrops.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental management or water resource planning, use "drainage basins" to clearly define the geographical areas under consideration.

Common error

Don't use "drainage basins" interchangeably with broader terms like "ecosystems" or "regions" unless specifically referring to the hydrological aspects of those areas. "Drainage basins" has a precise hydrological meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drainage basins" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying specific geographical areas defined by their hydrological characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable. It frequently serves as the subject or object of a sentence when discussing hydrological processes, environmental management, or geographical features.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

29%

News & Media

24%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "drainage basins" is a key concept in hydrology and geography, referring to areas where water collects and drains into a common outlet. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, including science, encyclopedias, and news media. When writing about environmental management or water resource planning, using "drainage basins" can provide clarity and precision. While it is closely related to terms like "watershed" and "catchment area", it's important to maintain accuracy by not using it interchangeably with broader terms like "ecosystems". Therefore, understanding and applying the term correctly will enhance the clarity and scientific rigor of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

watersheds

Refers to the area of land where all surface water converges to a single point.

catchment areas

Emphasizes the capture and collection of water within a specific region.

river basins

Specifically highlights the area drained by a river and its tributaries.

drainage areas

Focuses on the extent of land from which water is drained.

catchments

A shorter term for catchment areas, implying the act of catching water.

basins

A more general term indicating a depression or area where water collects.

water collection areas

Describes regions specifically designed or naturally suited for water accumulation.

tributary systems

Highlights the network of smaller streams feeding into a larger river system.

river systems

Focuses on the entire network of rivers and streams in a given area.

hydrologic units

Technical term for areas defined by their hydrological characteristics.

FAQs

How are "drainage basins" formed?

"Drainage basins" are formed by geological processes such as erosion, tectonic activity, and glaciation, which shape the landscape and create areas where water accumulates and flows towards a common outlet.

What's the difference between "watershed" and "drainage basin"?

The terms "watershed" and "drainage basin" are often used interchangeably. Technically, a watershed refers to the divide separating adjacent drainage basins, while a drainage basin is the area that drains into a specific river or body of water.

Why is understanding "drainage basins" important for environmental management?

Understanding "drainage basins" is crucial for managing water resources, controlling pollution, and mitigating flood risks. Effective management requires considering the entire area that contributes water to a particular system.

What are some human impacts on "drainage basins"?

Human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation can significantly alter "drainage basins", leading to increased runoff, erosion, and pollution. These changes can affect water quality, quantity, and ecosystem health.